Footwear ventilating device



Nov. 15, 1966 G. L. BALDWIN 3,284,930

FOOTWEAR VENTILATING DEVICE Filed Oct. 23, 1963 t 4' INVENTOR 8 ,l GERALD L. BALDWIN xl'hiaixf a /3 BY l2 jndrus g Sfar-Ke Affen/vens United States Patent O 3,284,930 FOOTWEAR VENTILATING DEVICE Gerald L. Baldwin, 606 E. State St., Milwaukee, Wis. Filed Oct. 23, 1963, Ser. No. 318,253 4 Claims. (Cl. 36-3) This invention relates to a footwear Ventilating device and particularly to an integral for separate insole structure for pumping `fresh air into the rforward and a-ft portions of a shoe or other article of footwear.

Foot perspiration in a boot or shoe is not only a source of discomfort but h-as a te-ndency to adversely affect the life of stockings and the shoe. Many efforts have been directed to the provision of a means of circulating air through the rfootwear in order to eliminate formation of moisture; fo-r example, as shown in U.S. Patent No. 2,010,151 for a Shoe Ventilating Device, wherein a pump is actuated by the movement of the -foo-t during walking.

Prior art devices have not found practical application, apparently because of ineicient action as well as relatively rapid disruption of the pumping action. Thus, the air passageways are integrally -or separately formed as a portion of the insole `for ydistributing air throughout the front and aft portions of the footwear. Heavy loads are imposed on the struct-ure forming the passageways by walking which tend to rapidly `destroy the passageway structure. Further, certain prior art devices appear to be rather unsightly .and cumbersome as well as expensive.

The present invention is particularly directed to a ventilating system having a long reliable life and which can be incorporated as an integral part of the footwear or can be formed as a separate insole. The invention provides a small, compact, high volume air pump and air passageways including means to prevent the collapse thereof and interruption of the air lcirculating system.

General-ly, in accordance with the present invention, the air Ventilating system includes a pump section positioned on the inner edge -of the shoe or footwear member directly in the in-ner shank portion of the arch position of the wear member with a side inlet for drawing in fresh air and a plurality of exit passageways with appropriate valve means in the passageways for distribution off air. The inner shank portion location of the -pump section provides a maximum operating stroke and thus creates a highly improved air volume. The passagew-ays are provided in -an insole member with a mesh type supporting structure which physically supports the -member adjacent the passageways while allowing relatively -free movement of the air under the action of the pump unit.

In accordance with the present invention, an insert generally forming an arch support type u-nit is provided in the inner shank section. The insert is a resilient member providing a spring action and is located to extend late-rally from a top or intermediate portion of the inner wall of the shoe body downwardly to the sole. In the longitudinal direction, the insert has a convex upper surface to provide a comfortable insert directly within the shoe and in the inner shank area; where the raised portion is not objectionable.

The present invention thus provides a completely hidden system while providing a comfortable arc-h type support unit.

The drawing furnished herewith illustrates the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a boot incorporating the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged top elevational view taken on line 2 2 of FIG. 1 Iand showing an insert constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical sec-tion taken generally on line 3 3 through FIG. 2; and

ice

FIG. 4 is a vertical section taken on line 4 4 of FIG. 2 and showing the lateral cross-section of the assembly.

Referring to the drawing and particularly to FIG. 1, the present invention is shown applied to a shoe or boot 1 which may be of the -insulated variety lor the like. The boot 1 includes a sole 2 which may include suitable insulation or an air chamber, not shown, in combination with a rear supporting heel 3. A body portion 4 is secured to the s-ole 2 and extends upwardly in accordance with well known construction encasing the foot, ankle and adjacent portion of the leg, not sh-own. Such boot 1 is especially constructed to keep the :foot warm 4at extremely low temperatures. If the temperature rises somewhat above rthe extreme conditions the boot has been ydesigned for, the foot has a great tendency to perspire with resulting dampness which is both uncomfortable and a health hazard. Circulation of air throughout -a boot has been suggested to keep the foot dry and hence as comfortable as possible and to minimize the health hazards.

The present invention as illustrated in FIGS. l-4 provides a separate insole air Ventilating pad or unit 5 of -a special construction forming a portion of the sole construction of boot 1 and providing an improved air pump and air circulating system. Al-though shown as a separate added insert or pad 5, it can be formed integrally with the shoe or boot 1 if desired.

Generally, the illustrated air Ventilating pad 5 includes a pump insert or section 6 disposed in the inner shank portion 7 of the shoe. The pump section 6 is thus disposed to the inner central side of the sole 2 as shown in FIG. 2. An air inlet tube 8 is secured to the pump section 6 and extends upwardly along the inner wall of the boot body 4, terminating immediately adjacent the upper end thereof. The air Ventilating pad 5 is generally separated by the pump section 6 into a forward air discharging section 9 and a rearward air discharging section 10. As la person wearing the boot walks, the pump section `6 will be actuated by the release and engagement of the arch of the user and will cause air to m-ove inwardly through the inlet tube S and discharging of the air through the 'forward and rear discharge sections 9 and 10 to maintain fresh air circulation about the foot with elimination of perspiration and the like.

Referring particularly to FIG. 3, pad 5 is shown as a three layer assembly having an outer configuration substantially identical to the inner sole configuration of the boot 1 and fits securely and snugly within the bottom of the boot 1 on sole 2. The pad 5 includes a top wall 11, .a bottom wal-l 12 and a centra-l lille-r strip 13 which may be formed Lof leather or any `other suitable structurally similar material. The central filler strip 13 delines a plurality of yair channels and a pump chamber as hereinafter described connected in communication with forward air discharging apertures 14 in the ltop wall 11 adjacent the toe area of the boot 1 and a rearward outlet aperture 15 in the top wall 11 adjacent the heel portion of the boot 1. A molded pump or arch insert 16 is secured to the Itop wall 11 irnmediately adjacent and .overlying the inner shank support area 7 olf the boot 1 for operating the pump secti-on 6 by application and removal of the weight of the person as steps are taken. The insert 16 can be formed of a molded rubber or other similar material and secured to the top wall in any suitable manner; for example, by a suitable adhesive, not shown. The top wall or surface 17 of the insert 16 is a compound curve being arched or convex in longitudinal cross section to conform to the general shape ofthe foot of a person, as shown in FIG. 3. rFhe top surface 17 is spaced from the sole 2 adjacent the inner wall of the -body 4 and extends downwardly and laterally therefrom across the central portion terminating in a feather edge 18 in spaced relation to the opposite edge ofthe boot 1 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. This construction .provides -a very comfortable pump actuator which can be conveniently placed within the boot 1 without becoming uncomfortable to wear.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, a pair of resilient metal strips 19 and 20 are molded within insert 16 for insuring rapid return of the insert 16 as the weight of the wearer is removed and are similarly secured in laterally spaced relation as follows. One end, shown as the heel end, of each of the strips 19 and 20 is secured to the pad by a similar pin 21. The opposite end of the strips 19 and 20 is formed with a generally horizontal plane portion and are slotted to produce a slotted guide 22 immediately adjacent the lower surface of the insert 16 and adjacent to top wall 11. A pin 23 projects through the pad 5 and from the top wall 11 into the slotted guide 22 to guide the strips 19 and 20 which move in accordance with the arch movement of the wearer accompanying each step thereof.

A projecting plunger or piston 24 is integrally cast with or secured to the insert 16 and projects downwardly into a pump chamber 25 which is formed by a suitable recess or opening in the top wall 11 and the intermediate filler strip 13. Piston 24 closely engages the wall of chamber 25 to provide a pumping action in response to the walking responsive movement of the insert 16. The arch in -collapsing constitutes a vertical shock absorbing action during foot movement. Further, the vertical movement in the arch is an area of maximum movement as it collapses when weight is applied to the foot and returns to the arched position when weight is removed and the arch is released. This position thus provides a maximum stroke for pumping action and the production of an adequate air supply. A resilient spring member 26 may be disposed within chamber 25 to insure return movement of the piston 24.

Inlet tube 8 is secured to the edge of chamber 25 and extends upwardly along the inner wall of body 4 to the top thereof. Where the unit is made as an integral portion of the boot 1, it may,be embedded directly into the wall of the body. A flutter valve 27 is shown in FIG. 4 in the inlet tube 8 adjacent chamber 25. The flutter valve 27 may be a simple, resilient tube having one end normally in a collapsed position and preventing air discharge from chamber 25. When a suction is created in the chamber 25, air is permitted to enter via the tube 8.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, a mesh structure 28 such as wire screening or the like is shown substantially lling the tube 8 between the chamber 25 and the upper inlet end in order to positively prevent collapse of the opening. In this manner, an incoming air passageway is maintained even though the boot be tightly laced.

Further, a protective or guard ring 29 of metal or other suitable non-collapsing material encircles the valve 27 to positively prevent collapsing and disruption of the valve under the weight of the user.

The air is discharged outwardly through a pair of forward discharge passageways 30 and 31 which are preformed by suitable grooves or slots in the middle or -intermediate strip 13 of the pad 5 and terminate at their forward ends one each in the forward apertures 14. The passageways 30 and 31 merge into a valved passageway defined by a cylindrical guard ring 32 adjacent chamber 25. A flutter valve 33, similar to flutter valve 27, is provided within ring 32 and arranged to allow outward movement of air from chamber 25 while preventing opposite air movement.

Air is also discharged to the back or heel end of the boot 1 through a heel passageway 34 similarly formed in the intermediate strip 13 and connected to aperture and chamber 25 with the flutter valve 33 disposed within a cylindrical guard ring 32 which permits only discharge of air from chamber to the heel aperture 15.

In accordance with the present invention, the passageways 30, 31 and 34 are substantially lled with a mesh structure 35, such as screening or the like. Structure 35 physically supports or absorbs all of the severe loading on the top wall 11 when the full weight of the wearer is placed on the corresponding foot while maintaining a relatively free passageway of air through the corresponding pa-sageway. This is important to the provision of a long and reliable unit.

The operation of the device as described is briefly summarized as follows.

The normal condition of the pad 5 is as shown in FIGS. 1 4. This is the same condition encountered when a persons foot in walking is raised upwardly with the arch in the relaxed position and relieved of the weight. Resilient strips 19 and 20 move to the desired position and result in the drawing of air into the chamber 25. When a step is taken, the weight of the person and particularly in the inner shank portion is pla-ced on the insert 16 and the arch collapses and moves downwardly deforming slightly. The resilient metal strips 19 and 20 spread longittudinally and plunger orpiston 24 moves into the pump chamber 25. The air previously drawn into chamber 25 is forced outwardly through the mesh lled passageways 30, 31 and 32 with the air escaping through forward apertures 14 and heel aperture 15.

When the arch of the person relaxes and moves upwardly as a part of the walking action, insert 16 moves to the normal shape resulting in the drawing of air inwardly through the inlet tube 8 and into chamber 25. As previously noted, the arch action produces maximum pumping action and therefore air circulation.

As previously noted, the compound shape of the arch insert 16 is very desirable in providing a comfortable and highly efficient pumping section within a boot or shoe. The inner edge of the arch area provides substantial foot movement in the vertical direction and thereby provides a most desirable pumping action. Thus, by virtue of the present invention and particularly the location of the pump section immediately adjacent the inner wall of the arch to produce maximum pumping action, the valve protective rings and the mesh type lling of the air passageways to positively prevent collapsing thereof, a very eflicient and long life Ventilating system is provided which is relatively simple in structure and is readily constructed as a separate or integral insole for footwear.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.

I claim:

1. A Ventilating structure for footwear having a sole and an upper foot enclosing body, comprising (a) a pump and air distributing enclosure forming a portion of the sole construction and having an air pump means disposed to the inner side edge of the sole and restricted to alignment with the inner shank portion thereof,

(b) an air inlet means secured to the innermost edge of the air pump means and having valve means limiting air ilow into the pump means only,

(c) air discharge passageways formed in the enclosure and extending longitudinally from the pump means and terminating in upwardly directed openings in the enclosure and having valve means permitting air flow from the pump means,

(d) resilient means located in the inner shank portion and overlying said pump chamber and operable to actuate said pump means in response to the movement of the arch of the user, and

(e) a self-supporting mesh filling said air discharge passageways to prevent collapse of said enclosure into said passageways.

2. A Ventilating structure for footwear having a sole with an inner shank portion substantially conforming to the arch width of a foot,

(a) a pump'and air distributing enclosure forming a (b) an air inlet means secured to their pump means and having a valve means limiting air flow into the pump means only,

(a) an insole pad having a bottom wall and a top wall separated by an intermediate wall interconnected to form a substantially unitary unit conforming to the sole configuration, a pump chamber formed lby a recess in the top and intermediate wall along the inner edge of the sole and in alignment with the inner shank portion thereof, an air inlet tube means secured to the pump chamber at the inner edge for extending upwardly along the inner wall of the body, said intermediate wall having a plurality of passageways extending forwardly and rearwardly `from the pump chamber and aligned with discharge openings in the top wall.

(b) valve means in said passageways and said air inlet tube permitting liow into the chamber through the inlet tube and from the chamber through said passageways,

I(c) air discharge passageways formed in the enclosure and extending longitudinally from the pump means 1() and terminating in openings in the enclosure and having Valve means permitting only air flow from the pump means, and

(d) a self-supporting mesh lling said discharge passageways to prevent collapse of said enclosure into l5 said passageways.

3. A Ventilating unit for footwear having a sole and a foot enclosing body secured thereto, comprising (c) a pump operator slidably disposed in said pump (a) a leather insole pad having a bottom Wall and a chamber for establishing air iiow through said chamtop wall separated -by an intermediate wall inter- Iber, connected to form a substantially unitary unit con- (d) a pumping shank insert formed of a s-olid deforming to the sole configuration, said pad conformformable generally self-supporting material and ing to the sole perimeter and having `a pump cham- Secured to the pad overlying said pump chamber ber formed by a recess in the top and intermediate and generally conforming to the shank por-tion of Wall along the inner edge ofthe sole and in alignment the Sole, Said insert having a convex top wall in with the inner shank portion thereof, an air inlet vertical longitudinal planes and a concave top wall tube means secured to the pump chamber for exin Vertical lateral planes With a maXimum thickness tending upwardly along the Wall of the footwear substantially at the inner wall of the shoe body and body, said intermediate wall having a plurality of deCIeaSng i0 a minute thickness, Said insert eX- grooves extending forwardly and rearwardly from tending from the inner Wall 0f the body downwardly the pump chamber defining discharge passageways and laterally and terminating in spaced relation to aligned with discharge openings in the top wall, the OPPOSte Outer edge `0f the Pad, Sad insert *being (b) flutter valve means in said passageways and said Secured t0 Sad PUInP "Operator,

fair inlet tube permitting HOW into the chamber r (e) resilient flat springs within said insert and havthrough the inlet tube and from the chamber through 3" ing endS disposed adjacent the OP We11 Of the Pad, said passageways, (ff) means ixedly attachingone end of said at springs (c) a pumping arch insert formed of a solid deform- 'O the Pad, and V able self-supporting material and secured to the pad (g) a Self'suppontmg mesh umg sa1d PaSS'fgeWaYS t0 overlying said pump chamber having a pumping 40 prevent collapse of the upper wall into sa1d passagepiston slidably disposed in said pump chamber for Ways' establlshmg air flow through sa1d chamber, sa1d References Cited by the Examiner msert substantially conformmg t-o the arch pornon of the sole and having a convex top wall in vertical UNITED STATES PATENTS longitudinal planes and a concave top wall in ver- 2,474,815 7/ 1949 Brahm 36-3 tical lateral planes with av maximum thickness ad- 2,560,591 7/ 1951 Oltrogge 36-3 jacent the inner wall of the shoe body `and decreas- 2,604,707 7/1952 Hicks 36-3 ing yto a minute thickness in spaced relation to the FOREIGN PATENTS iopposlte outer edge of the pad, and 470,996 2/1929 Germany.

(d) a self-supporting mesh filling said passageways to prevent collapse of the upper wall into said pas- JORDAN FRANKLIN, Primary Emmi-nen sageways.

4. An insole for footwear having a sole and a foot FRANK I' COHEN Exammer enclosing body secured thereto, comprising H. H. HUNTER, Assistant Examiner,

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No.n 3,284,930 November l5, 1966 Gerald L. Baldwin It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 4, line 6, for "pa-sageway" read passageway column 5, line 6, for "their" read the air column 6, line 13, strike out the period and insert instead a Comma.

Signed and sealed this 12th day of September 1967,a

(SEAL) Attest:

ERNEST W. SWIDER EDWARD J. BRENNER Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. A VENTILATING STRUCTURE FOR FOOTWEAR HAVING A SOLE AND AN UPPER FOOT ENCLOSING BODY, COMPRISING (A) A PUMP AND AIR DISTRIBUTING ENCLOSURE FORMING A PORTION OF THE SOLE CONSTRUCTION AND HAVING AN AIR PUMP MEANS DISPOSED TO THE INNER SIDE EDGE OF THE SOLE AND RESTRICTED TO ALIGNMENT WITH THE INNER SHANK PORTION THEREOF, (B) AN AIR INLET MEANS SECURED TO THE INNERMOST EDGE OF THE AIR PUMP MEANS AND HAVING VALVE MEANS LIMITING AIR FLOW INTO THE PUMP MEANS ONLY, (C) AIR DISCHARGE PASSAGEWAYS FORMED IN THE ENCLOSURE AND EXTENDING LONGITUDINALLY FROM THE PUMP MEANS AND TERMINATING IN UPWARDLY DIRECTED OPENINGS IN THE ENCLOSURE AND HAVING VALVE MEANS PERMITTING AIR FLOW FROM THE PUMP MEANS, (D) RESILIENT MEANS LOCATED IN THE INNER SHANK PORTION AND OVERLYING SAID PUMP CHAMBER AND OPERABLE TO ACTUATE SAID PUMP MEANS IN RESPONSE TO THE MOVEMENT OF THE ARCH OF THE USER, AND (E) A SELF-SUPPORTING MESH FILLING SAID AIR DISCHARGE PASSAGEWAYS TO PREVENT COLLAPSE OF SAID ENCLOSURE INTO SAID PASSAGEWAYS. 